Advocacy Journal: Differentiated Instruction

It is a curiosity of teaching that no two days are alike, but, if we are not careful, all the days can take on a deadening sameness.  We must remember that we have every opportunity to transform ourselves and our practice, just as we have every opportunity to stagnate, remaining much the same teachers we were when we began.  -  Carol Ann Tomlinson

I have learned so much through the process of becoming an advocate and being an advocate.  I am excited to make a difference and to educate other childcare professionals on a new important topic.  My host teacher is inspiring, because she really knows her students.  My topic, differentiated instruction, is implemented in my host classroom.  I am excited to have her support and encouragement as I communicate with other professionals in the school and work to make a difference.    

I am confident that my advocacy efforts will be effective; I feel I can encourage teachers I have targeted, to be more aware of how they can implement differentiated instruction in their classroom, and why it is so important in young children’s development.  I am worried that some teachers will not want to hear about my advocacy plan, and may feel there is already not enough time.  Some teachers may think that implementing differentiated instructional strategies is just more work; I hope to teach them otherwise. 

I am already feeling anxiety about presenting my plan.  I have not yet overcome speaking in front of people.  I know I will have to prepare and practice in order to do well.  I feel that fully understanding my goals, my action plan, my topic, and how my target audience can make a difference, will be most effective in helping me overcome my challenging emotions.  I want to be sure that I am organized with how I want the presentation to go.  I feel that having a visual; for the audience look at during the presentation, and facts to take away from the presentation and share with other professionals. 

I feel that the biggest part of being an effective advocate is being knowledgeable about the topic; to be able to answer any questions your audience may have.  It is important to believe in what you are trying to encourage others to do.  I have learned that communication is an important tool in being an advocate.  There is so much we can learn from one another. I know there are many ways that my colleagues can encourage me, but I am not able to think of any specific examples right now. 

Differentiated Instruction Blog 4

            Throughout this module I was able to observe the enrichment teacher.  She plans activities for different groups of children in each classroom.  The parents get to choose which extra curricular activities they wish to have their child join.  Some of the options are cooking, math, and phonics.  The students get to leave their classroom to work in small groups in the activity they are signed up for.  I think the enrichment activities are great for the children for many reasons.  One major reason is the social interaction. The children are encouraged to participate and work with other students throughout the fun activity or lesson.  Another great benefit of the enrichment activities is it allows the children a break from the classroom and the children can fun as they gain new experiences and learn.  I asked the teacher how the groups of children are selected and decided upon.  She explained that one major factor of which children get to join her and with which other students is all depending on which activity they are signed up for.  When the students are in math or phonics, the enrichment teacher will assess them and learn their abilities and then plan accordingly.  I really enjoyed learning about this part of the program; not many programs offer these experiences to young children. 

            The enrichment teacher explained to me that the groups of children for math and phonics can be mixed with children three to five years old.  I explained the teacher that I was advocating for differentiated instruction and that I feel she sets a great example for my topic.  She expressed her thoughts in how all children are different and know different things, so it is important to her that each child is receiving the appropriate challenges and assistance.  She explained that she feels her job is important and beneficial to the children because she gets to have more one-on-one time and small group time with the children.  Most of the caregivers have many other children to care for and interact with, so they may lose some opportunity to observe, assess, and differentiate when needed.  I feel I learned a lot about my topic throughout this observation. 

            I asked the teacher how, and if, she communicates with the children’s parents and families.  She explained that she tries to communicate with the parents and families when she sees them, but since she does not get to see them on a regular basis, she communicates through writing notes and typing newsletters.  She explained that she communicates through posting important information around the school, and sending it home.  If there is a problem or concern she can schedule a time to meet with the parents.  She makes sure to share what the children are learning, and how each individual child learns.   

Blog 3 Sarah Peregrin

              For this blog I interviewed and talked with the director of the center.  I explained to her that I am an advocate for developmental appropriate activities and that I strongly believe that developmentally appropriate practices positively impact young children’s development.  The director agreed with my thoughts.  She explained that each room is developmentally appropriate for the children currently in it.  She explained that if there is a child that has a need that the classroom is not currently meeting, they will modify to meet the child’s need.  The director said, “It is great that you are aware of developmentally appropriate practices.  All child care professionals should be educated on this topic and how to implement developmental appropriate practices.”  I feel the same way; early childcare professionals should understand how providing children with developmentally appropriate practices and experiences benefits their learning and development.   

              I asked the director to explain some examples of developmentally appropriate practices within her center.  Her first example was the curriculum.  She explained that the curriculum is pre-written and designed to meet the developmental needs of children in different age groups and developmental stages.  She also explained that all of the teachers in the center have been trained and also have experience in modifying the curriculum and lessons to meet the individual needs of each child.  Another example she provided was the environment.  The equipment and the available materials differ in each room.  The equipment gets bigger as the children gets bigger, and as the children become more independent and develops the ability to use new materials they will have access to more of a variety of materials.  I explained to the director that the appropriateness of the environment was on of my main topics, because I know that it is important in the development of the young children, but also for the safety of the children. 

              Through this field work experience I hope to gain different points of view on my topic for my research paper.  I am passionate about making a difference in young children’s lives, and I promote positive and appropriate learning experiences.  I hope to encourage and motivate other educators to become an advocate for developmental appropriate practices.  I feel that all educators should work toward improving the quality of child care and practices.  I enjoyed talking with the director; it was interesting to hear her input since she does not actually work in the classroom everyday.  She was able to explain her role in providing developmentally appropriate practices for each child at the center.  She has to make sure she offers appropriate equipment, materials, curriculum, caregivers, food, policies, and so on.  The director has to observe and be sure the caregivers in the center are using developmentally appropriate practices through all parts of their care for the children.  

Initial Post 2

        I am doing my field work at a center-based program that serves children 6 weeks through 6 years.  I really enjoy my time at this program.  The directors and all the teachers are friendly and welcoming, and each room I walk into, the children appear to be engaged with at least one caregiver.  For this course I am observing preschool children and their teacher, Ms. Paulette.  Ms. Paulette has been teaching and caring for children for about twenty years.  I asked Ms. Paulette if she enjoys her job, and she expressed how passionate she is for making a difference in all the children's lives.  I also feel that the special part of my job is being able to be a positive influence in a young child's life, or even in a parents or other family members life.  Ms. Paulette was conducting circle time as I arrived and the children were gathered on a large rug.  The classroom was full of the children's work displayed on the wall, and there were labels and other print at eye-level for the children to see and identify.  There were ten children and as they finger painted paper plates to make pumpkins, I was able to speak with the teacher.

       Throughout the last two weeks I have interacted with the director, my host teacher Ms. Paulette, her assistant teacher, the enrichment teacher, and many of the children.  I was able to ask the director about the program and how she felt about getting to know the families and children and building relationships with them.  She shared her thoughts by explaining how communicating and welcoming the families and children is one of the most important parts of her day. She explained how she wants each family to feel comfortable leaving their child in that setting and feeling welcome each time they enter.  I learned more about the program when I spoke with the enrichment teacher.  She is in charge of the classes the children and their families have selected.  The day I was observing the children were being taken to cooking class.  I think it is a great idea to offer children the opportunity to get out of the classroom and gain new experiences.

       During my observation I was able to see developmentally practices in play.  The teacher modified the activities for individual children by providing alternative materials, or offering more assistance to complete a task.  I observed a teacher that was patient and offered positive feedback as she spoke with the children.  I learned from observing Ms. Paulette's positive reinforcement strategies.  I feel my observations will help guide me through my research paper on developmentally appropriate practices, because I can see it in action.  I like how the teacher corrected children and allowed children the chance to make a choice by asking what they think.  For example, as the children were transitioning from circle time to table activities some of the children became loud and restless; Ms. Paulette calmly asked the children, "If you can't sit on the rug and listen, how can you sit at the table and listen?"  The children immediately sat back in their spot and said, "We can!"  The teacher told them to show her how they can sit nice, and they did just that.  My final thought or insight based on my observations and talking with the teacher is that children need to have developmentally appropriate practices in order to develop appropriately and safely; so it is our job to give them this opportunity!

Blog 1 Interview

           I interviewed my host teacher, whom is a preschool teacher of more than 15 years.  She is passionate about she does, and really seems to enjoy what she does.  I asked her how she feels about the importance of developmentally appropriate practices and she responded by saying, “Well, I feel that the equipment and environment must be physically appropriate and safe for each child in the class”.  I went on to ask if her about the program and their philosophies and views on providing developmentally appropriate practices for each child.  She also mentioned that she feels the curriculum and the activities provided she meet the developmental needs of each individual child. 

            The second person I interviewed was the center’s director.  I became interested in the curriculum and how it was created; so I began the interview by asking how the teacher’s create lesson plans and develop the curriculum for each class.  The director explained that the curriculum is preplanned and created for all the teachers.  The teachers are to take the lessons provided and modify them for their children to meet their developmental needs.  I asked the director how the center ensures quality care by providing developmentally appropriate practices.  She explained that it is extremely important to offer developmentally appropriate practices in all developmental domains and environments.  She explained that the teachers, and the whole program, strongly support and work hard to provide developmentally appropriate practices; its one of their main goals for each individual child. 

1). Developmentally appropriate environment; safe, health/hygiene, size, purpose, etc. 

2). Developmentally appropriate activities, lessons, materials, etc.  Are these available?

3). Developmentally appropriate strategies, classroom management, discipline, behavior management, social/emotional skills, etc.  Does it support cultural background of individual child?

           Through these interviews I have learned that offering developmentally appropriate practices is strongly supported by the director, the teachers, and the center’s program.  It is clear that everyone has different thoughts and ideas when working with young children, it is always important to consider the child’s family and their beliefs and expectations.  Often times, materials that children need are not available to the teachers.  The lesson plans should be modified to meet each child’s needs.  These are all main points I developed a deeper understanding in through the interview with the preschool teacher and the director of the center.  

Hello Everybody

Hello, I cannot believe this process was so difficult for me.  After playing around on Google and Blogger I think I might have finally figured it out!  I have a lot to learn!